Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

If you’re looking for a delightful dish to impress your family or friends, you’ve come to the right place! Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are not only a feast for the eyes but also a joy to eat. These little birds offer a tender and juicy meat that pairs perfectly with a savory stuffing, making them an ideal centerpiece for any gathering. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or just a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

This dish holds a special place in my heart because it combines simplicity with elegance. You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when your guests arrive, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Trust me; once you try these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you can have these ready for the oven in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The mild flavor of Cornish game hens makes them pleasing to all palates, including picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can stuff and season the hens in advance, so when it’s time to eat, all you need to do is bake.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and stuffing creates an incredible flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual Sunday dinner, these hens elevate any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens is easy and enjoyable. You likely have many of these simple, wholesome items in your kitchen already! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Hens

• 4 Cornish game hens, thawed (if frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Stuffing

• 1 cup bread crumbs (or cubed bread)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Basting

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup white grape juice or apple juice

Variations

The beauty of Stuffed Cornish Game Hens lies in their versatility. Feel free to get creative with the stuffing and flavors! Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the nuts: Use sunflower seeds or pine nuts instead of pecans or walnuts for a different crunch.
• Change up the fruit: Dried apricots or cherries can add a lovely sweetness to your stuffing.
• Add spices: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage for added depth of flavor.
• Use different bread types: Try using cornbread or whole grain bread for unique textures and tastes.

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Hens

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, rinse each Cornish game hen under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, onion, celery, carrots, raisins (if using), pecans (if using), parsley, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and melted butter. Mix well until everything is coated. This stuffing is where all those delicious flavors come together.

Step 3: Stuff the Hens

Carefully fill each hen with the stuffing mixture. Don’t overstuff; just enough to fill them nicely will do! Use toothpicks to secure openings if needed. Drizzle olive oil over the outside of each hen and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Roast Them

Place your stuffed hens breast-side up on a roasting pan. Brush them with white grape juice or apple juice for extra flavor while they cook. Roast in your preheated oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are cooked perfectly!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once done cooking, let them rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat—making every bite juicy and flavorful! Serve alongside your favorite sides and enjoy a beautiful meal together.

With this simple yet impressive recipe for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, you’ll be ready to create lasting memories around the dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Making the perfect Stuffed Cornish Game Hens can be a rewarding experience, and with a few expert tips, you’ll impress everyone at your table!

• Choose Quality Hens: Opt for fresh, high-quality Cornish game hens for the best flavor. The tenderness and richness of the meat make all the difference in your dish.

• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning the hens inside and out. This step is crucial as it infuses flavor throughout, ensuring each bite is deliciously savory.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the hens to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices, making for a moist and flavorful experience.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking times can vary, so using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F will ensure that your hens are perfectly cooked without being overdone.

• Experiment with Stuffing: Feel free to get creative with your stuffing! Adding seasonal ingredients or spices can take this dish to another level, tailoring it to your taste preferences.

How to Serve Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Presenting your Stuffed Cornish Game Hens beautifully will make this dish even more special. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herb Sprigs: A few sprigs of thyme or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness on top of each hen.
• Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest enhances the aroma and brings brightness to the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the hens.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting complement that balances the savory stuffing.

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and texture alongside the hearty main course.

• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt offer a vibrant contrast in color and flavor.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience around your Stuffed Cornish Game Hens. Enjoy every moment spent with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are not just a delightful meal for special occasions; they also shine when it comes to meal prep! You can easily prepare them in advance, making your life simpler on busy days while still enjoying a gourmet meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed hens to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each stuffed hen tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped hens in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen hens in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the hens in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Stuffed Cornish Game Hens.

Can I use different stuffing for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your stuffing. You can incorporate different vegetables, grains, or nuts based on your personal taste preferences.

How long do I cook Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

For perfectly cooked Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, you’ll want to roast them at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What sides pair well with Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

Consider serving these lovely hens with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They also pair beautifully with cranberry sauce or a light gravy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens! They truly are a special dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether it’s for a celebration or simply to treat yourself and those you love, this recipe is bound to impress. Enjoy every moment of cooking and savoring this delightful meal!